On the Wings of Love Review
Ok. So I started On The Wings of Love when it first came out. I had nothing to watch so why not try it, right? Halfway through the episode, we meet Albie Casiño’s character, Jigs, an arrogant, entitled young man. And it made me wonder how Nadine Lustre’s character, Leah, could be with this type of guy. After all, she is a respectable young woman, who I sense is also a strong, hardworking person. The way he treated her when she told him that she was granted her visa, something not easy for Jigs, made me close the tab and never look at the series for another couple of weeks… until we visited my aunt, who has TFC and loves her Pinoy shows. It was a Saturday and TFC shows marathon of these shows every weekend. So I got to watch the two episodes they showed. Except I kept asking questions because I never got the chance to watch the part where Leah and Clark (James Reid’s character) met. Or who Cherry Pie Picache’s character, Tita Jack, is. Or why Leah’s father was in the hospital. Anyways, it was the episode where Leah is surprised by Jigs’ presence in California. And let me tell you, I wanted to hit the screen with the remote. Every time Jigs was on screen, I just kept muttering how much I hate him. (I probably annoyed the whole family).
But our family friend told me to give it another chance because it’s not like the other Filipino dramas on TV. It’s light and a pretty good laugh. So I told her I would, during our holidays. Now, I was so bored out of my mind, with three days before school, and I guess I was just procrastinating, I finally finally gave OTWOL another chance and watched it. AND YES, I LOVE IT.
OTWOL is a beautiful story. Yes, it is a love story, but what differentiates it from other shows, like Pangako Sa’Yo and even Forevermore, is its representation of the hardwork of OFWs and even the Filipino culture and values. I loved how they portrayed their, as Clark calls it, “bayanihan”. I guess it’s kind of called “mateship” here in Australia. It’s how Filipinos come together and help each other in times of need. This show also opened my eyes regarding my social status and how privileged I am to not have to go through what these OFWs go through. Honestly, OFWs are the bravest people. They leave their loved ones to go to another country in order to support their families. Once they’re there, they don’t know what can hit them. Most start from the bottom, cleaning buildings, toilets, being caretakers who get abused by their “amos”, their masters/bosses. They do jobs no one else want to do. And as Jigs had pointed out, I’m paraphrasing by the way, “I went to college and the job I’m applying for is a janitor”. And these jobs they do, you have to have a strong character and not be full of pride.
Another thing I loved in OTWOL is Clark’s character development. Yep, if you’ve read my other posts reviewing some kind of show or movie or book, you’ll realise I’m a big fan of amazing character development. Clark, oh what a beautiful boy, was a serious young man, focused on his work and responsibilities and didn’t even take care of himself properly. This kind of male character from Filipino shows is kind of foreign to me. Boys are usually portrayed as the bad boyish type in recent Filo shows who have a good social standing. (Yes, I’m looking at handsome Enrique Gil’s Xander Grande of “Forevermore”. Although, there is Daniel Padilla’s character in “Crazy Beautiful You”… ). Clark Medina is depicted as dedicated to making his siblings, who live in the Philippines, happy and fulfilled. He seemed snobbish towards Leah when they first meet. But as the show progresses, you realise he’s more than that character he’s choosing to portray, most characters are. Clark’s story is tragic and I couldn’t imagine myself in his position. I’m not going to expand on what his story is because just watch it.
Then he meets Leah. Gorgeous, selfless Leah. Nadine Lustre portrays her so well, too. Leah has such a big heart and she’s a beautiful role model to the contemporary audience. She has big dreams and nothing can stop her from achieving them, especially no man. But through her, the audience realises just how caring Clark is, and how big his heart actually is. Leah and Clark’s relationship begins with the cliché “I hate you” thing. However, they do learn to tolerate each other and it’s not rushed. Then, they start to become friends and it flows so well. Until, one day, they realise their love for one another. And we realise just how much these characters are so alike. They both work hard for their families, they care so much for their friends, and they are loyal. They are loyal! Gosh, even if they are hurting so bad, they are trying so hard not to hurt other people or trying to keep their promise! The solution is so easy to their problem, but the risk of hurting someone, Clark’s beloved aunt, Tita Jack, and the persistent Jigs, is what is keeping them from being together.
And although I hate Jigs, I guess we should praise Albie Casiño for playing the character so well that whenever I see his face, even if he’s not talking, that I wanna punch him. Kudos.
Then, there are the subplots that happen with Leah’s family. I love the humour Tolayts, Leah’s sister’s suitor, and Mang Sol, Leah’s father, bring to the screen. I also love the fact that Tiffany, Leah’s sister, is also a strong character, who is not used as a tool for drama. Usually now, in Filipino TV, family drama and tension is caused by sibling rivalry. But between Leah and Tiffany, there are no sister rivalry. Tiffany is not jealous of Leah’s achievements, but rather focuses on her responsibilities and abilities.
Yes, yes, yes, okay, okay, nothing but praise from me, as always. I don’t like writing about stuff I don’t like. What’s the point, right? It doesn’t bring good vibes.
Sorry, last thing, I swear. Can we talk about how great the viewing quality is? And the cinematography. The aesthetic scenery of California! Like, this series is just fuelling my lust to travel the world.
With this I conclude, “On the Wings of Love” is an alluring series and I’m in love with it. And the stupid timezone is killing me, I hate the fact that Sydney is 3 hours ahead! I won’t be able to watch the next episode until the next day because it airs at 9:30 PM in the Philippines. But oh well, the wait is worth it.
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